$221,000 Grant To SFU Supports Study Of Broadband Use

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
2007LCS0015-000937
July 23, 2007

Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services

VANCOUVER – Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services Olga Ilich today announced a $221,000 grant to support a Simon Fraser University study of how broadband Internet connectivity is benefiting B.C. communities.

“This investment underscores our commitment to bridging the digital divide in British Columbia’s communities,” said Ilich. “Solid, independent research will enable government to see the real impact of its policies and programs on communities and supports good decision-making for the future.”The Centre for Policy Research on Science and Technology at Simon Fraser University is conducting the study, called Foundation for the Future. It will document the impact of broadband on communities that have gained broadband access in the past two years and will lay the foundation for periodic surveys to track long-term impacts.

Researchers will look at impacts on economic, education, health, social and cultural aspects of communities that have gained access to broadband internet service. They will also document impacts on government electronic service delivery. Results are expected to be available by the end of March 2008.

“This study will provide communities, government and other stakeholders with important, independent benchmark information to guide their planning,” said Dr. Richard Smith, associate director of the SFU School of Communication.

Bob Carter, chair, BC Community Connectivity Co-operative (BC3) describes the study as a good investment for the communities. “As a community champion I increasingly see first hand examples of the positive impact high speed Internet is having on quality of life,” Carter said. “I applaud the Province for its initiative.”

Ninety-one per cent of British Columbians live in communities that can access the Internet, making B.C. one of the most connected jurisdictions in Canada. The Province and its partners have helped ensure that high speed Internet access is available in 366 B.C. communities, as recommended by the Premier’s Technology Council in 2003. A community was defined as having a public school, library or health care facility. Currently, 357 of 366 communities are completed and the remainder are in progress.

Funding for the Foundation for the Future study comes in addition to $95,000 invested in 2006 to document the impact of connectivity on specific First Nations communities, which is to be completed in August 2007. The Province, through Network BC, continues to work with First Nations, federal and community partners to further develop connectivity in First Nations communities.

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Media contact:

Gordon Williams
Communication Director
Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services
250 387-3134